More tenants sign up for the Sharp Project

The Sharp Project has signed up the first tenants, including new start-ups SUNDE Technologies and Peddlers Cross Creative, to the newly refurbished 15,000 sq ft two-storey office block which forms part of the 200,000 sq ft digital content complex, due to be completed early next year. This takes the total number of tenants now located at the east Manchester site to 24.

Sue Woodward OBE, Director for the Sharp Project said: “This office accommodation complements our shipping containers and adds to the range of environments we can offer our tenants. What’s emerging is a community for digital production specialists. Tenants like SUNDE, who offer affordable technology services, play a vital part in supporting the other companies and our vision is for all our businesses to flourish under one roof.”

This not-for-profit initiative is led by urban regeneration company, New East Manchester on behalf of site owners Manchester City Council. Steve Thorncroft, New East Manchester’s deputy chief executive added: “It’s great to see this phase complete and businesses moving in. We are getting interest from companies that provide an important link in the supply chain and can service our other tenants on site which is really good news. Not only are we filling this part of the building but we’re working hard to complete the other phases which will offer sound stages, production space, a music studio and a ‘winter garden’ communal space.”

New tenant, Bashi Ali from SUNDE Technologies said: “We’re really pleased to be part of the Sharp Project. There’s real synergy here as we’re both about accessing affordable computing technology. We offer Ultra-thin clients that allow you to share untapped resources from one host PC amongst 40 users. Our prime focus is reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), IT cost reductions, meeting CRC directives and realising our dream of green computing for everyone. We are growing to become one of the most competitive providers of ultra-thin client products with plans to become a market leader.”

The former Sharp warehouse is currently undergoing a £16.5 million refurbishment funded by Manchester City Council, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the European Regional Development Fund. Phase 1 was completed in April. The building is located on Thorp Road, off Oldham Road and next to Central Park’s Gateway transport interchange, which includes a Metrolink station, due to open in spring 2011.